Dimethyl Fumarate

(dye meth' il fue' ma rate)

Brand Name(s):

Tecfidera®

Other Name(s):

DMF

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Dimethyl fumarate is used to treat relapsing forms (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a condition in which the nerves do not function properly and people may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). Dimethyl fumarate is in a class of medications called Nrf2 activators. It may work by decreasing inflammation and preventing nerve damage that may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Dimethyl fumarate comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day. Take dimethyl fumarate at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dimethyl fumarate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Dimethyl fumarate may be taken with or without food. However, if you take dimethyl fumarate with food or with a nonenteric coated aspirin (325 mg or less) 30 minutes before taking dimethyl fumarate, there is less of a chance that you will experience flushing during your treatment.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew, or crush them. Do not open the capsules or sprinkle the contents on food.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of dimethyl fumarate and increase your dose after 7 days.

Dimethyl fumarate may help control multiple sclerosis but will not cure it. Continue to take dimethyl fumarate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dimethyl fumarate without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

Dimethyl fumarate is also sometimes used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking dimethyl fumarate,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dimethyl fumarate, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in dimethyl fumarate capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

tell your doctor if you have any type of infection including infections that come and go and chronic infections that do not go away and if you have or have ever had a low white blood cell count.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking dimethyl fumarate, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Dimethyl fumarate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

warmth, redness, itching or burning of the skin

stomach pain

diarrhea

nausea

vomiting

heartburn

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking dimethyl fumarate and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of the arms or legs that worsens over time

changes in vision

changes in your thinking, memory, or awareness that leads to confusion and personality changes

Dimethyl fumarate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed, and any medication that is left in the container 90 days after you open it. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order a blood test before you begin your treatment and may order certain lab tests during your treatment to check your body's response to dimethyl fumarate.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.